Maqueston Hill

The walk up Maqueston Hill takes about forty minutes from Thornhill if you're reasonably fit, and you'll spend most of that time wondering why more people aren't doing this. The views across Dumfries and Galloway unfold as you climb - proper rolling farmland giving way to forest, then open moorland at the top. On a clear day you can see right across to the Solway coast. It's not dramatic in the Alpine sense, but there's something satisfying about a viewpoint you've actually earned.

Walkers and hill runners will get the most from this. Families with energetic kids handle it fine, though younger children might find the steady incline tedious. There's no cafe or facilities at the top, so bring water and a packed lunch if you want to linger. The ground can be boggy after rain, which is most of the time in this part of Scotland.

Access is free and there's no time restriction. You'd want two to three hours total if you're taking photos and resting at the summit. The route works brilliantly as part of a broader Dumfries and Galloway hiking break - pair it with walks around nearby parks like Penpont Holiday Park, which sits just under five miles away and gives you a comfortable base for exploring this corner of the Lowlands. Spring and autumn are best: less midges, better visibility, and the light's more interesting for photography.